Middle School Music Courses

The sixth grade bands have an emphasis on the fundamentals of musicianship, rehearsal etiquette and musical performance. The bands will perform a variety of musical genres. Students will explore the key concepts of change, identity, communication and aesthetics. In addition, individual improvement in the following areas of musicianship will be tracked:

• Tone
• Intonation
• Range
• Rhythm
• Technique
• Precision
• Articulation
• Dynamics
• Phrasing
• Style

The seventh and eighth grade Concert Bands are composed of students in their second, third and fourth years of instruction. Membership in these bands is determined by instrumentation and each student’s individual contribution. The Concert Bands place an emphasis on the fundamentals of musicianship and band performance, with opportunities to transfer instruments to improve the balance and instrumentation of the band. The Concert Bands perform music from a variety of styles and time periods as well as literature from the Ohio Music Education Associations’ Middle School class B and C levels. The bands perform scheduled concerts for the public in the fall, winter and spring.

The seventh and eighth grade Concert Winds consist of students in their third and fourth years of instruction. Membership in these groups is determined by band director recommendation. These ensembles are designed to develop and nurture the student’s emerging musical skills. The Concert Winds also provide an opportunity for students to transfer instruments for the purpose of improving the balance and instrumentation of the band. This band routinely performs music from the Ohio Music Education Association’s Middle School A through High School class C level. It is highly recommended that students in this band study privately on their instruments due to the challenging nature of the literature performed with the group. The 7th and 8th Grade Concert Winds perform music from a variety of styles and time periods. The bands perform in scheduled concerts for the public in the fall, winter, and spring.

The seventh and eighth Grade Symphonic Winds consist of students in their third and fourth years of instruction. Membership is by band director recommendation. It is highly recommended that the symphonic students study privately on their instruments so that they can master the advanced literature performed with the group. These ensembles are designed to have ideal instrumentation and balance. These bands routinely perform music from the Ohio Music Education Association’s Middle School class A through High School class B level. The Symphonic Winds perform music from a variety of styles and time periods. The Symphonic Winds perform in scheduled evening concerts for the public in the fall, winter, and spring. Students in these groups are encouraged to participate in the Shaker Chamber Music Festival and OMEA sponsored Honors band.

The Jazz Ensembles rehearse a minimum of 90 minutes per week. These classes provide students with the opportunity to study and perform music within the jazz idiom, including swing, blues, rock, ballads, shuffles, waltzes, funk and fusion styles. All students will develop the fundamentals of the art of improvisation and will have the opportunity to solo within the jazz group. Performances can include jazz festivals, middle school assemblies, elementary school field trips, jazz clinics and the Shaker band department’s “Evening of Jazz.” Membership is open to students enrolled in the Middle School Bands who play a standard jazz instrument (Alto, Tenor, or Baritone Saxophone; Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Piano, Drums, Electric Guitar and Bass Guitar).

Choir is a vocal singing ensemble for all students who have an interest in singing in a group setting. Culminating performances are a meaningful and mandatory component of this ensemble. No audition is necessary, but an interest in singing and musical work ethic are required. This choir is a yearlong commitment, and rehearsals occur during the school day.

The Shaker Heights Middle School Orchestra Program accommodates string players at the beginning, intermediate and advanced level through our repertoire. Our instruction is centered around the Ohio Music Standards and IB Units of study. Orchestra students improve their musicianship through developing, practicing and performing the musical concepts of posture, tone, intonation, left and right hand techniques, articulation, dynamics and phrasing.  Orchestra students explore these concepts further through the Key Concepts of our IB Units.

Orchestra provides exciting musical experiences for students who play violin, viola, cello, string bass, piano or harp. Daily class rehearsals involve learning about instrument mechanics, sound production, tuning, scales in various keys, fingering and numerous concepts, including ensemble techniques in the basic musical elements of rhythm, harmony, melody and style. Preparation for performances in assemblies, school concerts and community settings fosters group skills in listening, awareness, cooperation and responsibility. Additional opportunities to work in small ensembles of duets, trios and quartets assist in the development of critical listening skills, creativity of expression and continued musical growth.